Pro Super Smash Bros. Melee Player Aziz "Hax$" Al-Yami Passes Away at 30

Aziz "Hax$" Al-Yami, a celebrated figure in the professional Super Smash Bros.

Melee scene, has passed away at the age of 30, marking a significant loss for the competitive fighting game community.

Known for his extraordinary skill with both Captain Falcon and Fox, Hax$ became a household name at tournaments across the globe, particularly through his appearances at high-profile Super Smash Bros.

Melee events played on Nintendo hardware. News of Hax$'s passing was confirmed via a message posted to a GoFundMe page established earlier in the week, originally created to support his medical care.

The latest update on the page stated that Aziz "passed away peacefully" on the morning of March 25, 2025.

His father, in a heartfelt statement, shared gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and fans, emphasizing that Aziz truly "loved Melee." He also thanked the community for the happiness they brought to his son, noting that doctors reported Aziz passed quietly and peacefully. Hax$ made a name for himself in the Melee community with his technical play and innovation.

Not only did he reach top levels of play with iconic characters Captain Falcon and Fox, but he also contributed to controller advancement through his work on the B0XX—a stickless controller designed for improved ergonomics and precision.

Even as Hax$ faced personal and health challenges, including a significant hand injury that led to an "indefinite hiatus" from competition in 2015, he remained an influential figure.

He continued to share his passion for Super Smash Bros.

Melee through streaming, content creation, and providing insight into controller technology that would potentially reshape high-level play. Members of the professional Smash Bros.

community have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Hax$'s legacy.

Juan "Hungrybox" Debiedma and Jason "Mew2King" Zimmerman, both prominent players in the Melee scene, publicly shared their memories and sadness regarding his passing.

Hungrybox, in particular, reflected on his intent to visit Aziz in the hospital before learning the difficult news. In recent years, Hax$ navigated controversy and personal struggles, including being banned from tournaments after online disputes, which he addressed publicly with an official apology.

Despite these setbacks, he maintained his dedication to the game, once stating, "I'm not even a gamer at this point in my life, I'm just a Melee player." In late 2023 and early 2024, he candidly discussed mental health challenges online, but expressed hope and a renewed sense of purpose in his final months. Super Smash Bros.

Melee, released in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube and available through platforms like the eShop via later iterations, has maintained a vibrant, grassroots competitive community for over two decades.

Players like Hax$ have significantly influenced the game's enduring popularity and technical innovation, keeping Melee a mainstay in both local scenes and major events, even as the Nintendo Switch has become the current-gen home for Smash Bros.

with Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate. The loss of Aziz "Hax$" Al-Yami is deeply felt throughout the Nintendo and eSports communities.

He will be remembered not only for his tournament achievements, dedication to the game, and innovations in controller design, but also for the positive impact he had on those around him.

The industry mourns his passing and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Melee community.

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